EP3461701B1 - Device for connecting a windscreen-wiper blade to a drive arm for a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of wiping the glass surfaces of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, and it relates more particularly to a connection device between a wiper blade and a drive arm thereof.

Wiping systems for motor vehicles are designed to remove, by sweeping, liquids and dirt which can interfere with the driver's vision of his surroundings. These wiping systems generally comprise at least one drive arm which performs an angular reciprocating movement on a glazed surface of the vehicle, and at least one wiper blade equipped with a wiper blade produced in flexible plastic material. By rubbing against this glazed surface, the blade scrapes water and a certain number of dirt to evacuate them outside the driver's field of vision.

Whatever the configuration of the wiper blade: articulated calipers which hold the wiper blade in several distinct zones, or metal vertebra which maintains the wiper blade over its entire length, the wiper blade is attached to the arm of the wiper. drive of the wiping system by a connection device which generally comprises a connector and an adapter. The connector is integral with the wiper blade, and the adapter is a part configured, on the one hand, to cooperate with the connector and, on the other hand, to be engaged with an end part of the drive arm. The connector and the adapter then cooperate to fix the wiper blade on the drive arm and allow an articulated connection between these last two members.

The connection device of such wiping systems can also include a cover rotatably mounted on the connector and which includes an opening allowing passage of an end portion of the drive arm. In this type of connection device, the adapter is generally housed in the connector and comprises a shaft intended to receive a hook formed on the end part of the drive arm, thus allowing the articulated connection between the wiper blade and its training arm.

When the user wishes to mount the wiper blade on his drive arm, he must rotate this cover to a so-called "open" position in order to be able to engage the end part of this drive arm on the adapter. housed in the connector. Once with the wiper blade mounted on its drive arm, the user again rotates the cover, in the opposite direction, to a so-called “closed” position.

A first drawback of this connection device resides in the extent to which the cover can pivot around the connector. In fact, when the user wishes to mount the wiper blade on his drive arm, there is a risk of too great a rotation of the cover relative to the connector which can damage the cover and then render it unusable.

A second drawback of these connection devices lies in the fact that once open, the cover tends to spontaneously tilt towards its closed position, due to gravity, which can hamper the user who wishes to install the brush. wiper on its training arm.

We also know the document US2015 / 246659 A1 which describes a connection device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide a connection device making it possible to remedy these drawbacks by virtue of a device for holding the cover on the connector in at least one precise position suitable for mounting the wiper blade on the drive arm.

The object of the present invention thus relates to a connection device intended to connect a wiper blade to a drive arm of a vehicle wiper system, comprising at least one connector and a cover mounted in rotation on the connector, the connection device comprising at least one device for holding the cover on the connector in at least one position. According to the invention, the holding device determines the position of the cover on the connector by limiting the rotation of this cover on the connector in two directions of rotation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device for holding the cover on the connector can allow the cover to be held alternately in a first position or in a second position, this first position being distinct from the second position.

For example, the first position can correspond to a closed position, that is to say a position in which the cover at least partially covers the connector on which it is mounted, while the second position may correspond to an open position, that is to say a position configured to allow the assembly of an end part of the drive arm on an adapter housed in the connector. In other words, when the cover is in its closed position, this cover and the connector on which it is mounted both extend longitudinally in the same direction, while when the cover is in its open position, the cover and the connector s 'extend longitudinally in two perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, directions.

Advantageously, the present invention thus makes it possible to maintain the cover in a closed position, thus ensuring reliable and lasting locking of the end part of the drive arm on the adapter, or in an open position, allowing the mounting of this brush. wiping on its drive arm, without risking too much rotation of the cover which could damage it and render it unusable. In addition, keeping the cover in the open position facilitates the insertion of the end part of the drive arm while preventing this cover from folding spontaneously, and ultimately hinders the mounting of the wiper blade on the drive arm, it being understood that this assembly is usually provided by a person inexperienced in the field, for example the owner of the vehicle equipped with the wiping system making use of the connection device according to the invention.

According to the present invention, the connection device comprises a pivot connection between the cover and the connector, this pivot connection comprising at least one bearing and at least one strand, the strand being configured to be received in an orifice formed in the bearing.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bearing of the pivot connection between the cover and the connector is made from material with the cover and the strand of this pivot connection is for its part made from material with the connector.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bearing of the pivot connection between the cover and the connector is made from material with the connector and the strand of this pivot connection is for its part made from material with the cover of the connector.

Advantageously, according to this other exemplary embodiment, the connector may comprise two bearings and the cover two strands respectively intended to be received in one of the orifices made in the bearings of the connector. In this case, it is understood that the bearings are symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal and vertical plane of the connector and that the strands are symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal and vertical median plane of the cover. The median longitudinal plane of the connector and the median longitudinal plane of the cover coincide when the cover is in the closed position.

According to the present invention, the device for holding the cover on the connector is disposed at least in part on the bearing. According to this aspect of the present invention, part of the device for holding the cover on the connector is thus arranged on the bearing, this bearing being for example made from one material with the connector and another part of this holding device is itself. arranged near the strand, this strand being for example made from material with the cover. The term “near the strand” is understood to mean the fact that this other part of the retaining device can be distributed around this strand. It will be understood that each of these parts of the device for holding the cover on the connector is configured to cooperate with the other.

According to the present invention, the device for holding the cover on the connector comprises at least one rib and at least one groove, the rib being intended to be received in the groove.

Advantageously, the device for holding the cover on the connector may comprise a rib, advantageously a single rib, at least a first groove and at least a second groove, the rib being intended to be received alternately in each of the grooves.

Thus, when the rib is received in one of the grooves, for example the first groove, the cover is held in its first position, and when this rib is received in the other groove, in this case the second groove, the hood is held in its second position.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rib is formed on the cover and at least one groove is formed on the connector.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the rib may for example be made from one material with the strand of the cover.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the rib is formed on the connector and at least one groove is formed on the cover.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover is configured to take a first position or a second position, this first position and this second position being determined by the device for holding the cover on the connector, the cover in its first position s' extending in a first longitudinal direction and the cover in its second position extending in a second direction different from the first direction.

Advantageously, the first longitudinal direction can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

It will be understood that, according to this aspect of the present invention, the device for holding the cover on the connector comprises at least two grooves, respectively arranged to limit the rotation of this cover, either when the latter is in its first position, or when the latter is in its first position. he is in his second position. In other words, these two grooves delimit an angular sector of the bearing on which they are formed, this angular sector being, according to this aspect of the present invention, substantially equal to 90 °.

Optionally, the device for holding the cover on the connector may comprise a member arranged to increase the force for rotation of the cover relative to the connector between the two positions taken by the cover.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the member arranged to increase the force of rotation of the cover relative to the connector between its first position and its second position is a progressive slope formed between two grooves of the device for holding the cover on. the connector.

According to one characteristic of the present invention, the first groove and the second groove of the device for retaining the cover on the connector together define a first angular sector and a third groove can be formed in a second angular sector opposite to the first angular sector by relative to an axis of rotation of the pivot link.

According to this characteristic of the present invention, the third groove may for example be formed in the extension of one of the two grooves, passing through the axis of rotation of the pivot connection.

This third groove is configured to guide the assembly of the cover on the connector. Thus, a method of mounting the cover on the connector may include a first step of arranging the rib in the third groove then a step of translating the cover onto the connector, until the strand of the pivot connection is housed in the orifice made on the bearing of this pivot connection.

If the third rib is formed in the extension of one of the other two ribs, it will be understood that once the strand is in position in the orifice of the bearing, the rib formed on the cover is housed in the groove positioned in the extension of which is provided the third groove.

Advantageously, the third groove is formed in the extension of the first groove, this first groove being configured to hold the cover in its first position, that is to say its closed position.

According to a variant, the third groove may be formed in the extension of the second groove, this second groove being configured to hold the cover in its second position, namely its open position.

If the third groove is not formed in the extension of one of the other two grooves, the method of mounting the cover comprises an additional step of rotating the cover until the rib is housed in the first groove or in the second gorge.

Advantageously, the connection device can comprise two devices for holding the cover on the connector, symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal and vertical median plane of the connector.

The present invention also relates to a wiper system for a vehicle comprising at least one wiper blade connected to a drive arm by a connection device according to the present invention.

The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wiping system according to the present invention.

The invention finally relates to a method of mounting a wiper blade on a drive arm of a wiping system according to the present invention, comprising a step of opening a cover mounted in rotation on a connector. of the wiper, a step of locking of this cover in its open position thanks to the device for holding the cover on the connector, a step of inserting an end part of the drive arm on an adapter housed in the connector, a step of closing the cover and a step of locking this cover in its closed position, thanks to the device for holding this cover on the connector.

It will be understood that the step of opening the cover corresponds to a step during which a user rotates the cover in a first direction of rotation to its second position and that the step of closing this cover corresponds to a step during which the user rotates the cover in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, to its first position.

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un système d'essuyage comprenant un dispositif de connexion selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en perspectives d'un connecteur du dispositif de connexion selon la présente invention sur lequel est monté en rotation un capot, ces figures illustrant respectivement une première position et une deuxième position de ce capot par rapport au connecteur ;
• la figure 4 est une vue, de côté, d'une liaison pivot entre le capot et le connecteur, cette liaison pivot comprenant un dispositif de maintien en position du capot sur le connecteur dans au moins une position ;
• les figures 5 et 6 illustrent respectivement une première extrémité longitudinale du capot et une première extrémité longitudinale du connecteur ;
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation particulier du dispositif de maintien du capot sur le connecteur illustré sur les figures 4 à 6.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below by way of indication, in relation to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figures:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation of a wiping system comprising a connection device according to the present invention;
• the figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of a connector of the connection device according to the present invention on which a cover is rotatably mounted, these figures respectively illustrating a first position and a second position of this cover relative to the connector;
• the figure 4 is a side view of a pivot connection between the cover and the connector, this pivot connection comprising a device for holding the cover in position on the connector in at least one position;
• the figures 5 and 6 respectively illustrate a first longitudinal end of the cover and a first longitudinal end of the connector;
• the figure 7 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the device for retaining the cover on the connector illustrated in the figures 4 to 6 .

In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal or transverse names refer to the orientation of a connector of a connection device of a wiping system. The longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction of longitudinal extension of the connector, this longitudinal direction being parallel to an axis Ox of an orthonormal frame for example shown in figure 1 . A transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to an axis Oy of this orthonormal frame, the axis Oy being perpendicular to the axis Ox. A vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to an axis Oz of the orthonormal frame of reference, the axis Oz being perpendicular to the axis Ox and to the axis Oy.

The longitudinal sections mentioned below are made according to section planes in which the axes Ox and Oz of this orthonormal frame are inscribed.

With reference to the figure 1 , a motor vehicle is commonly equipped with a wiping system 1 for removing water and / or dirt present on a glazed surface, in particular a rear window or a motor vehicle windshield. The wiping system 1 comprises a drive arm 2 capable of performing an angular reciprocating movement along and above the glazed surface. The drive bottom 2 can include a driver, not shown here, responsible for providing a mechanical connection between the drive arm 2 and a rotating drive shaft of the drive arm 2.

The wiping system 1 also comprises a wiper blade 4 which extends mainly along a longitudinal axis X, parallel to the axis Ox of the orthonormal mark as shown in the figure. figure 1 . The wiper blade 4 comprises at least one air deflector 5 and a wiper blade 6 connected to one another by a structural element 7 of the wiper blade 4, the latter then being devoid of lifting beams. . Such a structural element 7 may for example be formed by a single bending member, or by a plurality of bending members or else by a support in which one or more bending members are threaded.

The air deflector 5 is designed to transform a pressure applied by an air flow circulating along the glazed surface into a force for pressing the wiper blade 4 against the glazed surface of the motor vehicle. The wiper blade 6 is the part of the wiper blade 4 in direct contact with the glazed surface and it is configured to evacuate the water and / or the dirt present on the latter. The air deflector 5, the wiper blade 6 and the structural element 7 form a semi-rigid assembly carried by a connection device 8, interposed between the drive arm 2 and the wiper blade 4.

This connection device 8 comprises a connector 9 in which an adapter - not shown here - is housed, and on which a cover 11 is mounted in rotation. Adapter Conventionally comprises a transverse shaft configured to receive a hook 12 of an end part 13 of the drive arm 2.

The connection device 8 thus provides a mechanical pivoting connection between the end part 13 of the drive arm 2 and the wiper blade 4. This connection device 8 also makes it possible to separate the wiper blade 4 from the wiper arm. drive 2, with a view to replacing the wiper blade 4.

In addition to an aesthetic function, the cover 11, mounted in rotation on the connector 9, is intended to block the end part 13 of the drive arm 2 on the adapter of the connection device 8. This cover 11 can thus take a first so-called “closed” position in which it blocks this end part 13 of the drive arm 2 or a second so-called “open” position allowing the insertion of this end part 13 into the connection device 8.

According to the present invention, the connection device 8 comprises at least one device for holding the cover 11 on the connector 9 in at least one of these two positions. This device for holding the cover 11 on the connector 9 will be described more fully in the remainder of the description.

The figures 2 and 3 respectively illustrate the first position of the cover 11 on the connector 9 and the second position of this cover 11 on the connector 9.

The first position of the cover 11 illustrated on figure 2 is the so-called "closed" position, that is to say the position which allows the locking of the drive arm on the wiper blade comprising the connector 9. From this first position, the cover 11 can reach its second position thanks to a rotation in a first direction of rotation S1, as shown in this figure 2 .

The second position of the cover 11 illustrated on figure 3 is the so-called "open" position, that is to say the position of this cover 11 which allows the insertion of the hook of the end part of the drive arm on the adapter housed in the connector 9. From this second position, the cover 11 can reach its first position thanks to a rotation in a second direction of rotation S2, opposite to the first direction of rotation S1, as shown in figure figure 3 .

In order to facilitate reading of the figures, the adapter is not shown.

The cover 11 comprises two side walls 110, symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane of the connector 9 and interconnected by an upper wall 111. The term “median longitudinal plane” is understood to mean a plane parallel to the Oxz plane of the orthonormal coordinate system and passing through a center of the connector 9, that is to say that this median longitudinal plane is disposed at an equal distance from each of the side walls 110 of the cover 11.

Each of the side walls 110 of the cover 11 comprises an edge 10 common with the upper wall 111 and a free edge 30, intended to be placed in contact with the connector 9.

In order to allow the insertion of the drive arm in the connection device 8, the upper wall 111 of the cover 11 comprises an opening 112, in particular visible on the figure 2 . This opening 112 is also configured to allow the cover 11 to be closed once the end part of the drive arm has been inserted into the connection device 8. As shown in the figure. figure 2 , this opening 112 extends between two opposite edges of the upper wall 111, these two opposite edges being the common edges between the upper wall 111 and each side wall 110.

As shown on figure 2 , the cover 11 extends mainly in a first longitudinal direction D1 when it is in its first position, this first direction D1 being parallel to the axis Ox of the orthonormal frame.

According to this first position, the cover 11 comprises a first longitudinal end 113 and a second longitudinal end 114, opposite to the first longitudinal end 113. As can be seen for example on this figure 2 , the first longitudinal end 113 of the cover 11 has a rounded shape.

The first longitudinal end 113 and the second longitudinal end 114 of the cover 11 each have a shape complementary to that of the connector 9 against which they are arranged. It is then understood that the rounded shape of the first longitudinal end 113 of the cover 11 makes it possible to facilitate the rotation of the cover 11 relative to the connector 9.

As can be seen on these figures 2 and 3 , the connector 9 also extends mainly in the first longitudinal direction D1 and comprises an attachment zone 14 of the connector 9 on the structural element of the wiper blade. This zone hooking 14 comprises for example two skirts 140, 141 configured to grip this structural element of this wiper blade.

The connector 9 has a first longitudinal end 90 and a second longitudinal end 91, opposite to the first longitudinal end 90 along the first longitudinal direction D1.

As can be seen on the figure 3 , the connector 9 comprises two flanks 19, symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the connector 9, which extend parallel to each other and towards the cover 11. These flanks 19 define a space 20 configured to receive the adapter of the connection device and are completely covered by the cover 11 when the latter is in its first position, called “closed”.

The second longitudinal end 91 of the connector 9 comprises a rising wall 21 against which the second longitudinal end 114 of the cover 11 rests, as shown in particular in FIG. figure 2 .

As previously mentioned, the cover 11 is rotatably mounted on the connector 9. The connection device 8 thus comprises a pivot connection 15 between this cover 11 and this connector 9, this pivot connection 15 being produced by cooperation between the first end. longitudinal 90 of the connector 9 and the first longitudinal end 113 of the cover 11.

This pivot connection 15 between the cover 11 and the connector 9 comprises at least one strand 17 and at least one bearing 16 in which is made an orifice 18 configured to receive the strand 17. Advantageously, the strand 17 and the orifice 18 of the bearing 16 of the pivot link 15 has complementary shapes allowing rotation of one relative to the other.

In this case, this pivot link 15, better visible on the figure 3 , comprises two bearings 16 made from the material with the connector 9 and two strands 17 made from the material with the cover 11. An orifice 18 is formed in each bearing 16, these orifices 18 being respectively configured to receive one of the strands 17 formed on the cover 11. The two bearings 16 and the two strands 17 are symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the connector 9.

According to an exemplary embodiment not illustrated here, the pivot connection comprises a single bearing made from material with the connector and a single strand made from material with the cover, this strand being configured to be received in an orifice made in the bearing of the connector. We understand that according to this exemplary embodiment, the bearing and the strand are provided on the same side with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the connector.

As shown on figure 3 , the cover 11 in its second position extends mainly in a second direction D2, perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction D1. This second direction D2 is, according to an example shown in this figure 3 , a vertical direction, that is to say parallel to the axis Oz of the orthonormal coordinate system.

As illustrated in particular on figure 3 , the cover 11 rotates around a third direction D3, perpendicular to the first direction D1 and to the second direction D2. In other words, this third direction D3 is parallel to the axis Oy of the orthonormal reference mark as shown in these figures and forms an axis of rotation of the pivoting link 15.

As previously mentioned, the connection device according to the present invention comprises at least one device for holding the cover on the connector which we will now describe in more detail with reference to figures 4 to 7 .

The figure 4 thus illustrates an exemplary embodiment of this retaining device 22, arranged at the level of the pivot connection 15 between the cover 11 and the connector 9. According to this exemplary embodiment, the retaining device 22 comprises a rib 23 and at least two grooves referenced 240, 241, the rib 23 being intended to be received alternately in each of these grooves 240, 241.

This figure 4 is a side view of this pivot connection 15 on which the cover 11 has been made partially transparent in order to make visible the retaining device 22 of the cover 11 on the connector 9.

The purpose of this retaining device 22 is to maintain the cover 11 either in its first so-called “closed” position or in its second so-called “open” position. It is therefore understood that this retaining device 22 allows rotation of the cover 11 between these two positions and only blocks this cover 11 when the latter is in one or other of these positions.

The term "blocks the cover" means the fact that when the cover 11 is in its first position or in its second position, the holding device 22 limits the rotation of this cover 11 according to the first direction of rotation SI and according to the second. direction of rotation S2. For switching from one position to another requires the intervention of a user who must apply a force according to the first direction of rotation SI or according to the second direction of rotation S2 according to the position he wishes to reach, so that the rib 23 can come out of the groove in which it is received.

The retaining device 22 makes it possible in particular to avoid excessive rotation when opening the cover 11, that is to say when the cover 11 pivots in the first direction of rotation S1. Indeed, too great a rotation of this cover 11 could damage it and make it unusable.

The retaining device 22 also makes it possible to facilitate the insertion of the end part of the drive arm by allowing the cover 11 to be maintained in its second open position. Thus, the cover 11 cannot fold up spontaneously during the insertion of this drive arm. Such a spontaneous folding of the cover 11 is in fact undesirable since this would lead to a reduction in the opening 112 with respect to the end part of the drive arm, then making its insertion particularly complicated.

As shown on figure 4 , the retaining device 22 is arranged at the level of the pivot connection 15 between the connector 9 and the cover 11, part of this retaining device 22 being provided on at least one of the bearings 16 of the connector 9, and another part part of this retaining device 22 being provided on the cover 11, and advantageously, near the strands 17 received in the orifices 18 formed in the bearings 16, as described above. More specifically, the other part of this retaining device 22 is distributed around the strands 17.

As mentioned above, the holding device 22 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated on figure 4 comprises a first groove 240 and a second groove 241. The first groove 240 and the second groove 241 are respectively assigned to maintaining the cover in its first closed position and in its second open position. A third groove 242 can also be formed at the level of the pivot connection 15, this third groove 242 being a guide groove, configured to facilitate the assembly of the cover 11 on the connector 9.

According to the example shown on figure 4 , this third groove 242 is formed in the extension of the first groove 240.

When the user wishes to mount the wiper blade on his drive arm, he must, first of all, rotate the cover 11 so that it takes its second position. By exerting sufficient force, the user can make the rib 23 come out of the first groove 240, then cause this cover 11 to pivot in the first direction of rotation SI described above.

During the rotation of the cover 11 relative to the connector 9, the rib 23 moves between the first groove 240 and the second groove 241, as shown in figure figure 4 . It is understood that to allow this rotation, the side walls 110 of the cover 11 are made of an elastic deformation material, that is to say that these side walls 110 are configured to move apart in order to allow the rib 23 to exit from the first groove 240 in which it is received. Once the rotation has been carried out, the side walls 110 of the cover 11 are configured to resume their initial spacing in order to allow the placement of the rib 23 in the second groove 241, this second groove 241 being configured to block the cover 11 in its second position , opened.

Once the drive arm mounted in the connection device by introducing the end part into the opening of the cover 11, the user can rotate the cover 11 in the second direction of rotation S2, until the rib 23 is again received in the first groove 240. As previously described, when the rib 23 is received in the first groove 240, the cover 11 is held in its first closed position, this first position of the cover 11 making it possible to block the less in part the drive arm in the connection device. It will be understood that the steps of rotation for going from the first position to the second position are similar to those for going from the second position to the first position.

Thus, a method of assembling the cover 11 on the connector 9 may comprise a step during which the rib 23 formed on the cover 11 is received in the third groove 242, and a step of translating the cover 11 relative to the connector. 9 until the strands 17 formed on the cover 11 are respectively received in one of the orifices 18 formed in the bearings 16 of the connector 9.

We will now describe in more detail the rib 23 and the grooves 240, 241, 242 forming the device for holding the cover 11 on the connector 9, with reference to figures 5 and 6 .

The figure 5 illustrates the first longitudinal end 113 of the cover 11, seen in a section passing through a median longitudinal plane of this cover 11. As a reminder, the term “median longitudinal plane” is understood to mean a plane parallel to the Oxz plane of the orthonormal frame and passing through a center cover 11. This figure 5 thus makes visible one of the strands 17 of this cover 11. As previously mentioned, the two strands of this cover 11 are symmetrical, it is therefore understood that the description of the strand 17 illustrated in figure 5 can be transposed to the other strand, not visible on this figure 5 .

This strand 17 has a substantially circular shape and comprises a chamfer 25 configured to facilitate the insertion of this strand 17 into the orifice made in at least one of the bearings of the connector. According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in this figure 5 , the rib 23 is made integrally with the strand 17 and extends from this strand to the free edge 30 of the corresponding side wall 110. More precisely, this rib 23 is formed in line with the chamfer 25 of this strand 17. As shown, this rib 23 is rectilinear and extends radially relative to the axis of rotation D3 of the pivot connection. The rib 23 further comprises two sidewalls 230, 231 parallel.

The figure 6 illustrates for its part the first longitudinal end 90 of the connector 9, on which is provided one of the bearings 16 of the connector 9, seen in a section taken along the median longitudinal plane of this connector 9. As previously described, this bearing 16 includes orifice 18 configured to receive one of the strands of the cowl.

According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in this figure 6 , three grooves 240, 241, 242 are formed in this bearing 16. As previously mentioned, the first groove 240 and the second groove 241 are respectively configured to hold the cover in its first position or in its second position while the third groove 242 makes it possible to guide the cover on the connector 9 during its assembly.

Each of these grooves 240, 241, 242 is formed by a rectilinear groove which extends radially from the orifice 18 formed in the bearing 16. As illustrated, the orifice 18 is delimited by a circular contour 180 which has a chamfer. It will be understood that this chamfer extends over an entire periphery of the orifice 18. Advantageously, this chamfer facilitates the insertion of the strand into this orifice 18 to form the pivot connection.

Each of these grooves 240, 241, 242 is delimited by a first edge 26 and by a second edge 27 and comprises a bottom 28. It is understood that to allow a part on one side of the rib is in abutment against at least part of one of the edges 26, 27 of one of these grooves 240, 241, 242, a depth of each groove, measured between the bottom 28 of the groove 240, 241, 242 concerned and one of its edges 26, 27 is equal to or greater than a thickness of the rib, this thickness of the rib being measured along a straight line parallel to the axis Oy of the orthonormal coordinate system. Thus, when the rib is received in one of the grooves 240, 241, 242, the side wall of the cover comprising the strand from which the rib originates is placed in contact with the bearing 16 on which these grooves 240, 241, 242 are formed. .

As depicted on the figure 6 , the first groove 240 and the second groove 241 together delimit a first angular sector θ of the bearing 16. According to the embodiment illustrated in figure 6 , this first angular sector is substantially equal to 90 °. In other words, the first edge 26 and the second edge 27 of the first groove 240 extend mainly in directions perpendicular to directions in which the first edge 26 and the second edge 27 of the second extend mainly respectively. throat 241.

The third groove 242 is for its part made in all positions of a second angular sector θ ', opposite to the first angular sector θ with respect to the axis of rotation D3 of the pivot link 15. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 , the third groove 242 is formed in the extension of the first groove 240, that is to say at the limit of the second angular sector θ '. Thus, when the cover is mounted on the connector, this cover is directly inserted into its first position.

According to an exemplary embodiment not illustrated here, the rib may be formed on at least one of the bearings of the connector and at least one groove may for its part be formed near at least one of the strands formed on the cover. . According to this exemplary embodiment, the rib then formed on the bearing (s) of the connector is configured to cooperate with the at least one groove formed near the strand (s), in the same way as described below. -above.

According to a refinement of the present invention, a member 29 can be arranged to increase the rotational force of the cover relative to the connector.

An exemplary embodiment of this member 29 arranged to increase the rotational force is illustrated in FIG. figure 7 . This figure 7 is a detail view of the other bearing 16 of the connector 9, that is to say of the bearing 16 not shown in the figure 6 . As previously mentioned, these two bearings 16 are symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the connector.

As can be seen on the figure 7 , the member 29 arranged to increase the rotational force of the cover relative to the connector is produced by an inclined wall 290 formed on the bearing 16, between the first groove 240 and the second groove 241. This inclined wall 290 allows in particular a progressive spacing of the side walls of the cover during its rotation on the connector 9.

Advantageously, this inclined wall 290 also allows the user to better control the force applied to the cover by allowing him to have a feeling during the rotation of this cover on the connector. In other words, the closer the user gets to the second groove 241, the greater the force to be applied to the cover to make it turn. In addition, when the rib provided on the cover passes the first edge 26 of this second groove 241, the side walls of the cover resume their initial position suddenly, then probably indicating to the user that the cover has reached its second. position, ready for mounting the wiper blade on the drive arm.

Thus, the contour 180 delimiting the orifice 18 formed in the bearing 16 has different thicknesses. As shown on figure 7 , this contour 180 is delimited by a first edge 181 and by a second edge 182 opposed to each other along the axis of rotation D3 of the pivot connection.

As illustrated, a first thickness e1 is greater than a second thickness e2 of this contour 180. These thicknesses e1 and e2 are both measured between the first edge 181 and the second edge 182 of this contour 180, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation D3 of the pivot connection. The first thickness e1 is measured near the second groove 241 while the second thickness e2 is measured near the first groove 240.

It will thus be understood that the force to be supplied during the rotation of the cover according to the first direction of rotation, that is to say to open this cover, is greater than the force to be supplied during the rotation of this cover according to the second direction of rotation, that is to say to close this cover.

It will also be understood that the force to be provided to dislodge the rib from the first groove 240 is less than the force to be provided to dislodge this rib from the second groove 241.

This progressive slope can also be carried out in the opposite direction, then making the necessary force greater in the second direction of rotation.

It is understood that this progressive slope is only one embodiment of the member arranged to increase the rotational force of the cover relative to the connector and that any other member making it possible to obtain this same effect can also be envisaged.

It will be understood from the foregoing that the present invention thus makes it possible to facilitate the assembly of a hood on a connector of a connection device of a vehicle wiping system and to maintain this hood in position relative to the connector. in order to allow, initially, an insertion of a driving arm on this connection device and secondly to block this driving arm in this connection device, while avoiding the risk of rotation too large of the cover compared to the connector which could damage this cover.

The invention cannot however be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here. In particular, the shape and dimensions of the rib and / or the grooves of the device for holding the cover on the connector can be modified without harming the invention, insofar as they fulfill the functionalities described in this document.

Claims (13)

1. Connecting device (8) intended to join a wiper blade (4) to a driving arm (2) of a wiping system (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one connector (9) and a cover (11) mounted in a rotatable manner on the connector (9), the connecting device (8) comprising at least one holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) in at least one position, the holding device (22) determining the position of the cover (11) on the connector (9) by limiting the rotation of this cover (11) on the connector (9) in two directions of rotation (Si, S2), the connecting device (8) comprising a pivot connection (15) between the cover (11) and the connector (9), this pivot connection (15) comprising at least one bearing (16) and at least one trunnion (17), the trunnion (17) being received in an orifice (18) formed in the bearing (16), characterized in that the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) is disposed at least partially on the bearing (16).
2. Connecting device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) is disposed at least partially around the trunnion (17).
3. Connecting device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) comprises at least one rib (23) and at least one groove (240, 241), the rib (23) being intended to be received in the groove (240, 241).
4. Connecting device (8) according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) comprises a single rib (23), at least one first groove (240) and at least one second groove (241), the rib (23) being intended to be received in either one of the grooves (240, 241).
5. Connecting device (8) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first groove (40) and the second groove (241) of the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) jointly delimit a first angular sector (θ), and wherein a third groove (242) is formed in a second angular sector (θ') on the opposite side from the first angular sector (θ) with respect to an axis of rotation (D3) of the pivot connection (15).
6. Connecting device (8) according to the preceding claim, wherein the third groove (242) is formed in continuation of one of the two grooves (240, 241), passing through the axis of rotation (D3) of the pivot connection (15).
7. Connecting device (8) according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the rib (23) is formed on the cover (11), and wherein at least one groove (240, 241) is formed on the connector (9).
8. Connecting device (8) according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the rib (23) is formed on the connector (9), and wherein at least one groove (240, 241) is formed on the cover (11).
9. Connecting device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (11) is configured to take up a first position and a second position, this first position and this second position being determined by the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9), the cover (11), in its first position, extending in a first longitudinal direction (Di), and the cover (11), in its second position, extending in a second direction (D2) different from the first direction (D1).
10. Connecting device (8) according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9) comprises a member (29) designed to increase the force for rotating the cover (11) with respect to the connector (9) between the two positions taken up by the cover.
11. Connecting device (8) according to the preceding claim, wherein the member (29) designed to increase the force for rotating the cover (11) with respect to the connector (9) between its first position and its second position is an inclined wall (290) formed between the two grooves (240, 241) of the holding device (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9).
12. Connecting device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two holding devices (22) for holding the cover (11) on the connector (9), which are symmetric with respect to a longitudinal and vertical mid-plane of the connector (9).
13. Wiping system (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one wiper blade (4) joined to a driving arm (2) by a connecting device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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